Matrix-bar and method of making same



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

A. S. GAPEHART. MATRIX BAR AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME.

No. 591,948] 4 Patented Oct. 19,1897.

fimaasc I 17224 22502. W jglemnderfl M M2617 (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet2.

A. S. CAPEHART. MATRIX BAR AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME.

No. 591,948. Patented Oct. 19,1897,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

.ALEXANDER S. OAPEHART, OF BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA.

MATRIX-BAR AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 591,948, dated October19, 1897.

Application filed January 14,1897 Serial No. 619,204. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern-.-

Be it known that I, ALEXANDER S. CAPE- HART, a citizen of the UnitedStates, and a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota, have invented certainnew and useful Improvements in Matrix-Bars and Methods of Making theSame, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

In the monoline type-setting and line-casting machine the circulatingmatrix-bars are each provided in one edge with intaglio or femaletype-characters, and in the opposite edge with alining notchescorresponding in number with the number of intaglio or type characters.In Letters Patent No. 529,440, issued to me November 20, 1894, asassignor to the Monoline Composing Company, I describe a method ofmanufacturing matrixbars of the kind referred to, but which in somerespects, particularly as to the specific form or shape of recesses tocontain the intaglio or type characters shown in the patent, isobjectionable, in that it is difficult to hold the dies accurately inproper position during the manipulations of the matrix-bar blank incarrying out the method of manufacture. It is very desirable, and I maysay indispensable, in this art to place all the intaglio characters withexactness relatively to the sides of the matrix-bar blank and the edgesof the recesses in which these characters are placedin order to obtainmatrix-bars which will secure the high perfection required in theprinting art. In manufacturing the form of matrix-bar shown in thepatent referred to, a blank is provided in one edge witha plurality ofrecesses and in the opposite edge with a corresponding number ofnotches, and a series of dies having relief type-characters are insertedinto the recesses in such manner that the cameo or relieftype-characters lie at the places where the intaglio characters are tobe produced. The bar and frame compose what is called a composite platein which the only openings are the unfilled portions of the recessesinto which copper deposits are to be made. All portions of the compositeplate on both faces are covered or waxed with a coat or film ofinsulating material excepting those points where the copper deposit isto be made. The composite plate is then suspended in a bath and forms acathode which is electrically connected to the proper ole oiterminal ofa battery. The other pole of the battery is connected with copperelectrodes and the circuit being closed electrodeposition commences fromboth sides and the copper deposition is gradually built up in theopenings around thecarneo or relief faces of the type as far aspermitted by the insulating coat or film until the recesses are solidlyfilled and the cameo faces of the type are reproduced in intaglio in thesolid copper filling. Subsequentlythe plate is removed from the bath,the dies and matrix-bar are removed from the frame, and the dies arewithdrawn from the matrix-bar. After the cameo type and type-bodies 14:,which constitute the dies, are placed in position relatively to thematrix-bar blanks, the cameo type are easily displaced or disarranged,which results in imperfectbars, or bars possessing objectionableirregulart ties that render them unavailable for practical use.

The chief objects of the present invention are to improve'themanufacture of matrixbars for line-casting machines and to provide meanswhereby the dies employed for producing the intaglio characters byelectrodeposition of,copper or equivalent metal will be firmly andsubstantially held or maintained in correct position without liabilityof greater or less displacement after adjustment, for the purpose ofproducing perfect matrix bars with intaglio characters in one or bothedges, and preventing or diminishing the liability of manufacturingimperfect bars, or bars possessing irregularities as regards the contouror arrangement or location of the intaglio or type characters relativelyto one another and to the parallel sides of the bar, 7 These objects areaccomplished in the manner and by the means hereinafter described andclaimed, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which- AFigure 1 is a plan view showing the matrixbar blank and dies arranged incooperative relation to produce intaglio or female typecharacters in thetwoopposite edges of the bar according to my present invention. Fig. 2is a plan view showing, for the purpose of explanations hereinaftermade, a matrix-bar partially completed. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectionalView, taken on the line 3 3, Fig. 2,

showing two recesses prior to the insertion of the dies and theformation of the intaglio characters therein. Fig. 4 is a similar view,taken on the line 4 4, Fig. 2, showing the electrodeposit of copperinthe recesses to produce intaglio characters in the opposite edges of thebar; and Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of a portion of thematrix-bar blank to more clearly show the improved construction or shapeof the recesses.

In order to enable those skilled in the art to make and use myinvention, I will now describe the same in detail, referring first toFigs. 2, 3, and 4, wherein The numeral 5 indicates the body of thematriX-bar, which is preferably of brass. This bar is constructed ineach edge with any desired number of recesses 6, located at the pointswhere the intaglio or female type-char-- acters are to be provided.Instead of forming the edges of the recesses divergent or beveled andundercutting these edges, as is described and shown in my patent alludedto, I construct or form each of the recesses with rectilinear paralleledges 7 and 8. cesses extend through from one side of the bar to theother and are open at the front or outer portions, as in the formerconstruction. The bottom of each recess is wedge-shaped, orsubstantially in the form of an inverted V, which is accomplished bybeveling the metal, as at 9 and 10. The sides of the bar, at eachrecess, are provided with approximately semicircular cavities o'rdepressions, as at 12 and 13-, the edges of which merge into and formcontinuations of the rectilinear or straight parallel edges 7 and 8. Thewedge-shaped or beveled parts 9 and 10 and the semicircular cavities ordepressions 12 and 13 provide for the anchorage of the copper deposit ina simpler and more economical manner than the prior construction, due ina large measure to the facility with which the parallel edges '7 and 8and semicircular cavities or depressions 12 and 13 can be produced.These parts are more readily constructed than the undercut and bevelededges shown in the patent mentioned, but in addition thereto therectilinear or straight edges 7 and 8, formed parallel, as shown,performa function which the beveled edges fail to successfullyperformthat is, the rectilinear parallel edgesof the recesses snugly andsquarely fit against the bodies 14 of the dies and firmly andsubstantially hold or maintain the dies in correct position, afteradjustment, in such manner that after bein gaccurately set in positionthey are not liable to be disarranged or displaced during themanipulation of the parts in the production of the intaglio characters.

By utilizing the rectilinear, parallel sides of the dies in combinationwith the rectilinear parallel edges of the recesses as means foradjusting the cameo or relief type-characters and holding or maintainingthe dies and matrix-bar blank in correct fixed relation The re- 2 theemployment of extraneous or other means for holding the dies and bar infixed relation,

which'would be objectionable and perhaps impracticable.

The matrix-bar blank is shown provided with similar recesses in its twoedges, and with anchoring cavities or depressions in its opposite sidesurfaces, whereby two sets of dies may be employed for the purpose ofproducinga matrix-bar having intaglio or female type-characters anchoredin both of its edges. Where such bars are manufactured they arereversible, so that the characters in either edge may be used in castingslugs or typebars. Such bars should each be provided at one end withduplicate hooks 15 and 16, or equivalent means, to enable the bar to bereversed and practicably manipulated by the distributing mechanism ofthe type-setting and line-casting machine. The hooks 15 and 16 may beformed on'a single shank 17, or each hook may have its own independentshank. These hooks may be variously con-- structed and arranged, and, ifdesired, other devices may be provided for distribution par-- poses.

The matrix-bar blank constructed as described is placed centrally in arectangular opening of a frame 18, of brass or other metal suitable forthe purpose in hand, and the dies 1% are inserted into the straight-lineentrances of the recesses. Any number of recesses may be formed in eachedge of the bar according to the number of intaglio or femaletype-characters required. The feet of the dies may, and preferably do,rest against the longitudinal edges of the opening in the frame 18, Fig.1, and, if necessary, quads or spaces, as at 19, may be inserted betweenthe dies or be formed with the latter. The end or ends of theframe-opening may have proper fillingpieces inserted, as in my patentreferred'to, for the purpose of confining the dies and bar in position.

The composite plate, comprising the parts set forth, is covered or waxedwith a coat or film of insulating material except as to the places wherethe deposit of copper is to be made, and this plate is suspended in asuitable bath to form acathode which is electrically connected with onepole of a battery. The other pole of the battery is connected withcopper electrodes placed in the bath in proper relation to the recessesin the matrixbar blank, all substantially as in my Patent No. 529,440,so that when the circuit is closed electrodeposition commences at bothsides of the bar and the copper deposit enters the recesses, as at 20,about the cameo or relief type-characters, which are reproduced inintaglio in the solid copper fillings. The plate is then removed fromthe bath and the dies are withdrawn from the recesses, leaving thematrix-bar with a plurality of intaglio char acters in copper fillings20, anchored by the cavities 0r depressions 12 and 13, in the bottoms ofthe recesses in each edge of the bar.

For the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the anchorage andefiectually preventing displacement of the copper or other electrodeposited fillings 20 at the bottoms of the open side recesses I providethe wedge shaped parts 9 with depressions or recesses 21, preferably,but not necessarily, in the form of transverse holes or perforations,into which the copper or other electrodeposited metal enters in suchmanner that the fillings are effectually, securely, and permanentlyinterlocked with the bar.

Although I have described and shown the matrix-bar with intagliocharacters in each edge thereof, I do not wish to be understood asconfining myself thereto, as the intaglio characters may, if desired, beproduced in one edge only.

The matrix-bar herein illustrated is designed with reference to its usein the monoline type setting and casting machine; but my invention isuseful in the manufacture of matrix bars or plates adapted to othermachines for casting printing or type bars. An important part of thepresent improvement resides in the straight-line entrances of therecesses where intaglio or type characters are placed, for the purposeof firmly and securely holding the type-dies in fixed position afteradjustment, and this part of the improvement is advantageous whether theintaglio characters are produced by electrodeposition or otherwise. Ifthe type-dies stamp the typecharacters in the bar, the straight-lineentrances will accurately guide the dies.

The matrix-bars are usually measured by their length, width, and height,and therefore I prefer that the brass matrix-bar blanks be produced ofsuch dimensions that the height of the recesses, or height of the bar,will be somewhat greater than when the bar is completed for use, theextra height being cut off or otherwise removed on the lines 22, forexample, if it be desired to reduce the height of the bar. If the extraheight referred to is removed, the matrix-bar would form no part of themold in the line-casting machine, except as to the face-bodies of thetype cast upon the slug. Conversely, if the extra height be not removed,the straight edges of the recesses in the matrix will form a part of themold in casting the type-characters on the slug.

By constructing a matrix-bar with intaglio characters in its two edges,according to my invention, I am able to provide a bar having the facesof the typecharacters in one edge different from the face of thetype-characters in the other edge, which is advantageous and useful. Forexample, I may place full-faced seven-point letters in one edge of thebar and body-type eight-point letters in the other edge; or theintaglios in one edge may represent one size of type and have Latinfaces,

I while the intaglios in the opposite edge may represent the same or adifferent size of type and have German faces. Or one edge of the bar maycontain six-point letters, while the opposite edge contains seven-pointletters. It will be understood that all the intaglios-in both edges ofthe bar are designed for and available as intaglios in casting lines ortype.

As regards the straight-1i ne entrances in the matrix-bar, I do notconfine myself to the employment of the anchoring cavities or recesses,nor to the beveled sides of the bottoms of the recesses. It will beobvious that the straight-line entrances into one edge of the bar willserve as infallible guides for cutting alinin g notches in the otheredge of the bar.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. A matrix barhaving a plurality of straight-line entrances in its edge at the severalpoints where intaglio or type characters are formed, substantially asand for the purposes described.

2. A matrix-bar having a plurality of recesses open at the front andboth sides and constructed to engage and firmly and squarely hold thetype-dies in the formation of intaglio or type characters in the bottomportions of the recesses, substantially as and for the purposesdescribed.

3. A matrix-bar having a plurality of recesses in its edge, containingintaglio characters and constructed with rectilinear, parallel edgeswhich engage and accurately hold the type-dies when the intagliocharacters are formed, substantially as and for the purposes described.

4. A matrix-bar having a recess in its edge, containing anelectrodeposited intaglio character and constructed with edges whichengage and firmly hold the type-die in accurate position to form theintaglio character, substantially as and for the purposes described.

5. A matrix-bar having a plurality of recesses in its edge containingeleetrodeposited intaglio characters and constructed with straight-lineentrances, substantially as and for. the purposes described.

6. A matrix-bar having a plurality of recesses in its edge containinganchored intaglio fillings and constructed with rectilinear, paralleledges which engage and firmly hold the dies when the intaglios areformed, substantially as and for the purposes described.

7. A matrix-bar having a plurality of recesses in its edges containingintaglio characters and provided with rectilinear, parallel edges forguiding and firmly holding the intaglio-forming dies, substantially asand for the purposes described.

8. A matrix-bar having straight-line entrances containing.electrodeposited intaglio characters, and anchoring cavities ordepressions in the side surfaces of the bar below or beyond saidentrances, substantially as and for the purposes described.

9. A matrix-bar having edge recesses con- IIO taining electrodepositedintaglio characters, and anchoring cavities or depressions formed in theopposite side surfaces of the bar, substantially as and for the purposesdescribed.

10. A matrix-bar having straight-line entrances in its edge, containingelectrodeposited int-aglio characters, and substantially semicircularanchoring cavities 0r depres sions in the opposite side surfaces of thebar, the edges of said cavities or depressions formin g continuations ofthe edges of the straightline entrances, substantially as and for thepurposes described.

11. A matrix-bar having an edge recess open at the front and sides,containing an anchored, electrodeposited intaglio, and constructed withparallel edges to guide and ALEXANDER s. CAPEHART.

Witnesses:

GREGORY PHELAN, GEO. W. ROOSEVELT.

